Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a common treatment for patients with suspected increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

1. Fluid Resuscitation

2. Oxygen Therapy

3. Hyperventilation and Mannitol

4. Corticosteroids

The correct answer is: Hyperventilation and Mannitol

For patients with suspected increased intracranial pressure (ICP), hyperventilation and mannitol represent a common treatment strategy aimed at reducing the pressure within the skull. Hyperventilation works by decreasing the carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which leads to vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels. This reduction in blood flow can help decrease the volume of blood in the cranium, thus lowering ICP. It is noteworthy that this is often a temporary measure and requires close monitoring to avoid complications such as cerebral hypoxia or ischemia. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps to draw fluid out of the brain tissue and into the bloodstream. This action reduces edema, helping to decrease intracranial pressure effectively. Mannitol is administered intravenously and can quickly alter the fluid balance, significantly impacting ICP levels. While other choices may be beneficial in certain scenarios, they do not directly target the management of increased ICP with the same efficacy as hyperventilation and mannitol. For example, fluid resuscitation can potentially exacerbate cerebral edema if not managed carefully. Oxygen therapy is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygenation but does not address the underlying issue of increased ICP. Corticosteroids may be useful in conditions like brain tumors or after